East Shore · Nevada

Chimney Beach

Boulder coves and glass-clear water a short scramble below Highway 28 — named for the old stone chimney still standing on the sand.

The Neighbor to Secret Cove

A Ruin, Some Boulders, and Very Clear Water

Chimney Beach sits on the East Shore just north of Secret Cove, and takes its name from a lone stone fireplace chimney — the last remnant of an old cabin — still standing near the sand. Like the rest of this stretch of shoreline, it's reached by trail rather than by driving straight up to it, which keeps it noticeably calmer than Sand Harbor a few miles north.

The appeal is the same East Shore combination that makes this whole stretch famous: granite boulders to climb and jump from, water clear enough to see well past your feet, and enough separation between towel spots that it never quite feels crowded, even on a busy weekend.

Boulder coves Historic chimney ruin Clear-water swimming Snorkeling
Plan Your Visit

Know Before You Go

LocationEast Shore, on NV-28 between Sand Harbor and Secret Cove, just north of the Secret Cove trailhead
AccessA marked roadside lot, then a moderate ~15-minute trail down through the forest to the water
ParkingPaid trailhead lot (roughly $12/day) — arrive early, as it fills alongside Secret Cove's on summer weekends
FacilitiesNone — no restrooms, no rentals, no lifeguard; pack in everything you need and pack out all trash
DogsGenerally allowed outside state-park boundaries; keep them under control on the boulders
Best forSwimming, snorkeling, boulder scrambling, and a quieter alternative to Sand Harbor
Pair it with a paddle: Chimney Beach is a favorite put-in for kayaks and paddleboards heading toward the coves around Secret Cove and Skunk Harbor — see our kayaking guide for the route. Water shoes help on the rocky entry, and the trail back up is steeper than it looks on a hot afternoon.

Location

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